posts

Leash-Free Volunteers
Through the efforts of Leash-Free Halton Hills volunteers, working with The Town of Halton Hills Parks and Recreations, maintenance issues at each park are routinely inspected and repaired as required. Volunteers monitor such things as condition of fencing, picnic tables, lighting, shelters and ground coverings.

Some of the maintenance items require special attention from volunteers in order to make the off-leash experience more enjoyable for our canine companions. Each spring, volunteers get together at each Off-Leash Park to do a Park Cleanup where we rake up the dead grass and leaves, fill holes, remove garbage etc. that has eluded our care over the winter months. During this cleanup, inspections of the fencing, picnic tables, etc. are also undertaken to ensure safety is maintained.

Further to this cleanup, monthly updates are sent to The Parks and Recreation Department, who then monitor park conditions including signage, lighting, grass cutting, tree maintenance and garbage removal. The parking lots are also monitored for cleanliness and damage.

Our biggest volunteer outing is the regular spreading of the woodchips. The Town of Halton Hills provide us with truckloads of woodchips to re-energize our ground cover and improve footing, reducing the mud and water holes in the park. Signs are posted in the Parks prior to deliveries asking for volunteers to help spread the piles. In addition to improving the Parks, this is a great opportunity to meet fellow users, renew old acquaintances and for students, earn valuable volunteer hours.

Going forward, volunteers also brainstorm and organize fundraising efforts towards the betterment of existing locations including equipment, improvements and future projects. All members are welcome and invited to attend our monthly meetings held alternately in Acton and Georgetown. Watch for postings on our Message Boards for the next meeting.

LFHH At The Mall
In 2002, a group of eager volunteers got together with members of Town Council to bring about the first leash-free area at Prospect Park in Acton. Shortly after this successful launch, Georgetown also received a leash-free area at Cedarvale Park. These two parks were mentored by the hard work of the volunteers known as Halton Hills Dog Owner’s Group, (HHDOG).

HHDOG worked diligently to bring shelters, lighting and a secure positive environment to our parks.

With a proud and stable past, we look forward to the new adventures yet to come.

In October 2017, a revitalized Executive decided to update our presence and at the Community Open House at Georgetown Marketplace announced its new name, Leash-Free Halton Hills.

The Community Open House was an opportunity for local non-profit, social service and service groups and agencies to showcase their activities or services to the general public. It provided unparalleled exposure for a group’s message or mandate and facilitates membership and volunteer recruitment, program signup and community involvement.

The Open House allowed Leash-Free Halton Hills to:

• build awareness among residents of the leash free experience available locally;

• enhance the sense of community pride and belonging;

• evaluate public reception of our activities and,

• promote the value of volunteers to the health of our community.

Leash-Free Halton Hills was proud to participate in this event and celebrate the challenges surrounding our next initiative, a new Leash Free Park in Halton Hills.

Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity? If you are, we invite you to join Leash-Free Halton Hills and help us usher in a bright new future!